Alternative Energy Sources

Eliminating reliance on fossil fuels

Alternative energy systems and products are used to reduce the need for fossil fuels and save our customers money on monthly energy bills.

Solar Electric Panels

Photovoltaic (PV) systems use solar electric panels to directly convert the sun’s energy into electricity. This conversion of sunlight to electricity occurs without moving parts, is silent and pollution free in its operation.

Most residential PV systems are used in conjunction with utility-supplied power. Power produced from the PV system is sent to the power grid and offsets the cost of electricity that is consumed from the utility.

Most often, PV panels are installed on roofs, but they can also be installed as free-standing units, on a pole on the ground, or even on complex tracking structures that change with the sun’s angle during the day.

Geothermal Heating & Cooling

Geothermal’s basic concept takes advantage of the earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool a building. By tapping this steady flow of heat from the earth in the winter and displacing heat in the earth in the summer, a geothermal heat pump can save homeowners 40 to 70 percent in heating costs and 30 to 50 percent in cooling costs compared to conventional systems. From a cost perspective, geothermal makes the most sense when natural gas is not available.

Thermal Mass with Hydronic (Radiant Floor) Heat

Hydronic systems use radiant heat to warm the objects which it contacts versus heating the air around the object. People feel warmer with radiant heating even in cooler air temperatures. Thermal mass acts like a battery, releasing radiant heat slowly over time.

On Demand Hot Water Heaters

Standard water heaters continuously heat and reheat the same water 24 hours a day. Tankless water heaters only heat water when it’s needed, delivering an endless supply of hot water. Newer models deliver up to 96% efficiency, while saving space that a standard tank would require.

Low Energy Usage Lighting

Advancements in LED technology are producing bulbs with longer life and better quality light. These bulbs use less energy without utilizing mercury.

Wind Power

A wind energy system transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical or electrical energy that can be harnessed for practical use. Mostly used by utilities and homes in rural areas, new designs which turn slower and have a more sculptural look may become more applicable for suburban and urban locations.